Contests & Promotions

This article will continue my comprehensive review of Fifth Dawn, specifically exploring the play values of the first half of its white cards. Throughout the Mirrodin block I have found myself attracted to white in limited events, but much less so in the constructed format. Each card will be given a rating from 1 to 5, 1 being the worst and 5 being outstanding (rarely do I give out this score), and then be given a short description of its play value in both the limited and constructed formats. Please remember that all statements in this article are my opinions, which are based on my personal experiences in tournaments involving Fifth Dawn. Now, let's begin...

can also be used to prevent the destruction of an important creature by negating damage effects, but it is not in any way a necessary card for your deck. It could be a useful addition should you find yourself lacking in the areas of combat tricks or defensive cards.

is an excellent card to possess in a limited tournament, as it complements white decks that rely on a constant stream of smaller creatures to overwhelm their opponents. Even with its small toughness, it is protected from red's burn spells and black destruction spells, and will often allow you to gain 1 life each turn, sometimes more. I believe that Auriok Champion

is a decent blocker and has an ability that allows you to return artifacts with converted mana cost equal to or less than 1 from your graveyard to your hand, which includes many pieces of equipment, artifact lands, and probably most notably, Wayfarer's Bauble

has flying, making it more likely to deal direct damage to your opponent, but it also allows you to attach a piece of equipment to a creature you control at instant speed, which can be quite useful. For example, you attack with 2 creatures and your opponent chump-blocks your larger, equipped creature. Before damage is on the stack, Auriok Windwalker

allows you to move all equipment you control around at instant speed, costs less mana to play and its ability does not require an activation cost, therefore it is the wiser choice when considering which to include in a White Weenie with Equipment deck.

single-handedly one several of my games, as a sudden boost from 15 to 20 life to 30 to 40 life is quite hard to deal with, especially if the Beacon rears its ugly head later on in the game. I am also partial to Beacon of Creation

is the weakest bringer in limited, as a 3/3 or opportunity to gain control of an opponent's creature each turn is more useful in such a combat-based format. Put the fact that it is a little difficult to cast on top of that and you do not have a ground-breaking limited card. I prefer Eternal Witness

anyone?), therefore it is a bit more useful, given the right circumstances exist and preparations are made.

Circle of Protection: Artifacts 1WEnchantment - uncommon2: The next time an artifact source would deal damage to you this turn, prevent that damage.

Limited Value: 3 - Many of the creatures your opponents will attempt to defeat you with in Mirrodin block limited tournaments are artifact creatures, so Circle of Protection: Artifacts could prove useful. Personally, if I were running white, I might pick one up for a sideboard card, but I don't think it is as effective as good old fashioned removal.

is a fairly expensive 2/3 that allows you to prevent up to 2 damage from being dealt to a creature or player, which can be important at times. Overall it is not a very impressive creature to possess, though it can provide a bit of creature insurance in a pinch.

or another form of removal than use measures of prevention. If by some chance a player were searching for a way to prevent damage, they would rather play a cleric with a low casting cost. Oh well, at least Loxodon Anchorite

We've made it through the first half of Fifth Dawn's white cards, and unfortunately, very few of them are useful outside of the Limited format. Remember, nearly all magic cards can be put to good use if you support them with the correct cards and strategies. In my next article I will address the play values of all of Fifths Dawn's white cards from Loxodon Stalwart